Question

How does the process of translation differ between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Answer 1

The major differences are the time taken for two types of translation, ribosomes and the post translational modifications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The translation is the process of production of protein from mRNA. The translation occurs in the cytoplasm in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. There are several differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation process. The first difference is the time taken for both the translation. The prokaryotic translation is the very first process while the eukaryotic translation is very slow. The ribosomes use in prokaryotes is the 70S and in the eukaryotes, it is 80S. The process of translation is associated with the process of transcription in prokaryotes. In eukaryotes the transcription and translation process is separate. They are not coupled with each other. In prokaryotes, translation is polycistronic i.e a single promoter region of mRNA controls several genes. In eukaryotes, the translation is monocistronic i.e. each gene is controlled by a specific promoter. In eukaryotes, the first amino acid for initiation is methionine while in prokaryotes the amino acid is f-met. In eukaryotes, there is a post-translational modification, which is not present in prokaryotes. The termination is complicated in prokaryotes and needed 3 termination factors, while in eukaryotes termination is simpler and requires only one termination factor.

Answer 2

The main difference in the process of translation of eukaryotes and prokaryotes are:

In prokaryotes, transcription and translation occurs simultaneously whereas in eukaryotes translation occurs after post-transcription changes.

In prokaryotes, 5' end of mRNA is available as soon as mRNA gets transcribed whereas in eukaryotes primary transcripts undergoes various changes after which it is transported into cytoplasm from nucleus.

In prokaryotes, 70S ribosome is present which has sub-units 50S and 30S. In contrast eukaryotes have 80S ribosome which has sub-units 60S and 40S.

In prokaryotes, post-translation changes usually occurs in cytoplasm whereas in eukaryotes it usually occurs in endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi bodies. However, it may also takes place in cytoplasm.